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10 results for “skeletal deformity”
Why a Kitten’s Hind Legs Splay Outward
A kitten with splayed hind legs may have been born with a skeletal deformity or suffered nerve or bone damage during birth, which imaging can confirm and surgery may correct. A sudden onset more often points to a metabolic cause such as calcium deficiency from a bad diet or a thyroid disorder, which responds to calcium, vitamin D, and sunlight.
Symptoms of Dog Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation
Thoracolumbar disc disease (mid-back) is the result of aging and degeneration of the thoracolumbar discs. It causes the disc to bulge or press into the spinal canal, causing spinal cord injury and compression.
Why is my dog’s body stiff?
Stiffness may be muscle fatigue from overexercise, joint problems like arthritis or calcification, muscle strain, nerve issues, or bone deformity. Persistent stiffness needs a vet.
Why Do Cats Breed with Their Mothers?
Cats mate with their mothers mainly because they have no concept of inbreeding—it is pure instinct, and without another partner during heat they will mate with the nearest relative. The harms are real: more genetic defects and disease, weaker immunity, and lower fertility. Owners should separate sexes at maturity and neuter if not breeding.
When does a puppy learn to walk?
Healthy pups start standing and walking at about 20-22 days, often falling at first, which is normal. Supplement calcium and vitamin D then to strengthen bones and avoid deformities.
What Are the Signs of Osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Fold Cats?
Scottish Folds can develop a painful inherited bone disease (osteochondrodysplasia) showing as a stiff or kinked tail, swollen hind legs, awkward posture, and reluctance to move. There is no cure — only pain relief with drugs such as meloxicam and chondroitin — so suspect it early and see a vet.
Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency in Senior Dogs
Senior dogs' bodies decline, so calcium absorption falls and bone loss rises, easily causing osteoporosis. For a happy old age, this article covers the symptoms and how to supplement calcium.
Is this cat a Scottish Fold?
From the picture it does look like a Scottish Fold, though possibly not purebred. Most Scottish Folds carry a bone genetic disease—osteochondrodysplasia—that has no cure, only pain relief via supplements and medication. Signs include joint deformity, stiff tail, and difficulty walking; some show symptoms after a year, some never. Do not buy or promote them; care well for those already kept.
Why You Should Not Train a Dog to Walk Upright
A dog's body differs from a human's: its spine is more curved and lacks pelvic support, so standing and walking on the hind legs loads the lower back, spine, and rear legs with extra weight. This can cause patellar luxation, joint wear, arthritis, and cartilage damage, even spinal deformity, rear-leg deformity, or bowlegs. Severe spinal harm may lead to incontinence or paralysis, so do not train dogs to walk upright for fun.
What Happens If a Dog Rarely Gets Sunlight?
A dog that rarely sees sunlight can develop health problems, including calcium deficiency that leads to poor bone growth, weak legs, unsteady walking, and even leg or spinal deformity. Lack of light also lowers skin resistance and makes skin disease more likely. Owners should let dogs sunbathe moderately, while avoiding too much exposure that could cause sunburn or heatstroke. This article explains the risks of too little sun, the real benefits of sunlight, and how to sun your dog safely.